17 Reasons to Eat Nut-Free This New Year

Peanut and tree nut allergies are a big deal. So is gluten-free. And paleo (which bans peanuts). Yet you can get tasty protein and good fats from delicious sources. We’ve rounded up 17 reasons to consider going peanut-free this new year:

#1 Your allergic friends will thank you.

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Just touching peanut butter or peanut residue can send an allergic person into anaphylactic shock (which is as life threatening and terrifying as drowning at the bottom of a pool). Eating nut-free means you won't be leaving a trail of peanut butter smudges or peanut shells.

#2 “But I don’t have allergic friends.”

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Actually, you probably do. Up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, including about 1 in every 13 children (ages 0 – 18). Most prevalent are peanut allergies.

#3 “I can’t survive without peanut butter.”

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But have you tried some of the alternatives? If you like sunflower seeds, give sunflower seed spread a whirl: it's roasted seeds blended into a spread.

#4 Schools are going nut-free.

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To keep all of us safe, more schools and colleges are going nut-free. Learn and have fun with safe, nut-free snacks and lunches.

#5 Better breakfasts.

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True fact: Our brains work better with the right kind of jump-start and fuel that peanut-free spreads can provide, like these Overnight Oats in a Jar from Cait’s Plate.

#6 Smarter snacks.

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People who eat snacks have healthier diets. That’s from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, who studies this stuff. So savor smart snacks like nut-free Enjoy Life Foods Chewy Bars.

#7 Travel that’s less nuts.

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Many airplanes are nixing peanuts (due to passenger allergies). If the pretzels aren’t enough, slip SunButter Snack Packs or other nut-free snacks into your pockets. Bonus: This size breezes right through airport security.

#8 Gluten-free can be good.

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You can skip out on peanut butter and still enjoy gluten-free goodies. There are so many gluten-free flours and other ingredients that gluten-free doesn’t have to mean deprivation anymore! It means a fresh take on familiar recipes, like this Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Bread even great-grandma would love.

#9 Paleo may be the way to go.

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The paleo eating style allows seeds in moderation, but bans peanuts. Paleo eating plans emphasize meats, seafood, vegetables and fruits, and more people find it perfectly fits their cravings, weight loss/maintenance and powers their exercise plans. Try this Paleo Fudge. Yes, Fudge.

#10 The bloody Brits bake without peanut butter.

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Peanut butter is relatively uncommon in Europe, but decadent baking is spot on. These Cranberry Scones are bloody simple and absolutely divine!

#11 Rachael Ray is not nuts.

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Peanuts are deliciously replaceable. So says Rachael Ray, who also shares this Spicy SunButter Sauce recipe.

#12 Asian zings without peanut sauce.

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Sunflower seed spread adds a nice depth to Asian cooking. Impress your guests with these amazing Vegan, Allergy-Friendly Asian Spring Rolls from Kristen at NutFreeMomma.

#13 Pumpkin obsession is here to stay. (All. Year. Long!)

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Get powerful Vitamin A all day with this delish SunButter Pumpkin Spice Bread.

#14 Balls full of energy do not require nuts.

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Marathoner, Fitness Instructor and Mom Kristin whips up these Energy Balls to fuel her crazy busy schedule. We dare you to eat just one, even if you aren't on the run.

#15 A spoonful powers you through.

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When supper seems far away, grab a spoon and scoop yourself a dollop of SunButter. Bonus: Add a few nut-free chocolate chips, mini-marshmallows, sunflower seeds or sprinkle of cinnamon. You’re now re-fueled.

#16 Cake pops are still hot. Nuts for kids are not.

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Easy yet impressive, bake up these nut-free Cake Pops from Keeley McGuire.

#17 Not eating candy is nuts.

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Eat nut-free and have your “peanut butter cups” too, with these super easy sunflower butter cups from Ricki Heller.